Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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225. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are free training courses for forklift licenses; if there are arrangements with employers that may permit trainees to obtain free training to secure a forklift licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6727/26]

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and would point out that the requirement to hold a forklift licence arises from the regulations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of 2005. This legislation is under the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.

That said, as bodies under the aegis of my Department, enterprise engagement is a key focus for the network of Educational Training Boards and they work closely with employers locally and regionally to address skills gaps by developing and delivering provision in response to the identified skills needs.

Further, there a range of courses on offer in Further Education and Training (FET) nationally relating to forklift use. In FET, courses are free or heavily subsidised. My Department also provides direct financial supports to eligible learners. Learners in receipt of social welfare can transfer to a learner allowance when participating in certain courses if eligible. The rate depends on an individual’s social welfare payment. For example, a learner over 18 years old in receipt of Jobseekers' or Supplementary Welfare Allowances will transfer to a learner allowance of at least €254/week with additional payments for qualifying dependants. They may keep secondary benefits, such as medical cards. Supplementary allowances for food, travel or accommodation may also be available.

In this manner, the use of available resources is targeted to maximise the training opportunities available to potential applicants while working with employers to address skills needs.